Usain Bolt has remained optimistic despite his 100 meters false start. He said he will not let the disqualification from the 100m final affect him when he defends his 200m title at the World Championships.
The world record-holder said he was “extremely disappointed” to have lost his title because of a false start. “But I have to move on as there is no point dwelling on the past. I have a few days to refocus and get ready for the 200m. I know that I am now in good shape and will focus on running well in the 200m.”
Retired 400m world record holder, Michael Johnson, in his Times column, said: “I’ve never false-started and to be honest I don’t think it’s that hard to avoid one. I don’t think it’s too much to ask to wait until the gun goes before you go off.”
The current false-start rule – introduced last year by the IAAF, the body which governs world athletics – leaves athletes with no second chance should they set off before the starting pistol fires. Ironically, the 25-year-old Bolt had backed the rule change before its introduction in 2010.
Speaking before the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Bolt said: “For me, I have no problem, I never false-started yet. It will be better for the sport. It will be a problem for some people but not for me.”
The Olympic 100m and 200m champion paid tribute to countryman Yohan Blake for his victory.
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